Reviews of Tafika
Wildlife sightings and reviews
318 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Tafika and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa

87% success

92% success

45% success

100% success

99% success

99% success

97% success

92% success

91% success

49% success

11% success

3% success

2% success

0% success

0% success
"Tafika review"

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Eland
Multiple sightings

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Leopard
Multiple sightings

Lion
Multiple sightings

Wildebeest
1 sighting

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Tafika review"

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Eland
Multiple sightings

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Leopard
Multiple sightings

Lion
Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena
1 sighting

Wildebeest
1 sighting

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Tafika camp, a marvelous starting point"
The staff at Tafika were friendly, attentive and accommodating from our initial contact to our departure for Chikoko camp.
We arrived after dark and the driver was engaging and on the look out for wildlife - even spotting lions and an Eagle Owl during our transport.
The staff scheduled dinner to accommodate our arrival and we were greeted with candlelight dinner on the banks of the Luangwa River serenaded by hippos - how could it get better... but it did.
The accommodations were rustic, but lacked nothing - and we have never slept better than we did during our safari.
Breakfast sunrises were epic, served over looking the river.
The game drives were efficient and informative, rich with wildlife and excellent guides. The refreshments at sunset by the Luangwa River in the company of Giraffe closed a memorable first day.
It was also impressive that the Coppinger family were at the camp and actively engaged in making our stay special. They were friendly, approachable and it was pleasure discussing Africa and the history of the camps with them." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia; 2n in South Africa

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Lion
1 sighting

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Tafika review"
Whilst on one hand, we rather like the family business feel of the enterprise, it was sometimes a little overpowering. Each evening when we returned from a drive, the 4 members of the family plus one of the guides (who was an original founder along with John) would be stood drinking at the bar whilst others were working. This gave us a somewhat uncomfortable perception. Whilst the family were always kind, engaging and inclusive, it sometimes felt like we were intruding in a family gathering.
The village and school visit was the one time we felt uncomfortable. It all seemed rather staged and unnatural. Whilst we enjoyed seeing the school and hearing the church choir sing (and see them dance), we felt rather too controlled by our guide. I don’t think this was about our safety – as we never felt anything other than completely safe.
Finally, we felt that the management’s focus on us dropped off during our last day as we were by that time, the only guests in the Camp. It felt as if we were being steered towards activities that suited the lodge rather than what we desired – and breakfast on the last day when there was only us was a shadow of what it had been on other days when the camp was full.
To reiterate, we hope our comments are seen as constructive - and that they are based upon our perceptions/feelings." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia

Buffalo
1 sighting

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Leopard
Multiple sightings

Lion
1 sighting

Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings

Wild dog
Multiple sightings

Zebra
1 sighting
"Tafika review"
It is very much a family run facility. I marked it lower on facilities because the wifi was not great, but this is understandable so far in the bush).
Makupa (Cooper) was our guide and again he did a good job, we also had Lloyd one day and he showed us some different things.
Again the staff was very friendly and helpful." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia

Buffalo
1 sighting

Elephant
10 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Leopard
2 sightings

Spotted Hyena
1 sighting

Wild dog
3 sightings

Zebra
10 sightings
"Tafika review"
Food outstanding, a step up from other camps, happy to let you look round the kitchen and laundry area. Catering staff particularly friendly and attentive.
Guiding very good indeed, with a walk across (by canoe) to one of the bush camps very informative on ecosystems. Excellent game viewing, at a pace to suit us. Village visit close by reflects the close ongoing involvement of the family with community and school, plus local football teams - we took several footballs to donate as well as school equipment.
We left by road to Mfuwe airport on what is currently a poor road, nearly two hours, but you can fly from Tafika to Mfuwe or Lusaka if you can pay....... Classic bush dining outside for dinner, elephants through the camp as well as at the waterhole and hide.
Will certainly return if possible." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Leopard
Multiple sightings

Lion
Multiple sightings

Roan antelope
1 sighting

Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings

Wild dog
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Tafika review"
Stunning accommodation in an ideal position. Seemingly unlimited game viewing.
Hospitality was superb." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Leopard
Multiple sightings

Lion
Multiple sightings

Roan antelope
1 sighting

Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings

Wild dog
Multiple sightings

Wildebeest
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Tafika review"
Some further subtle improvements have been made to the rooms - especially the seating areas at the front. I think the roof has been extended forwards to provide shade, and some very comfortable built in seating provided. At the end of my stay, they very kindly offered me an air transfer down to Mfuwe (at no charge) since the pilot was picking up guests to take to North Luangwa.
Thanks to Nick for showing me the African Broadbills that frequent the back of house area! I also stupidly left my camera battery charger behind and they arranged to get it to me in Lower Zambezi in a few days, which I was very grateful for." See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Elephant
10 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Leopard
4 sightings

Lion
2 sightings

Spotted Hyena
10 sightings

Zebra
10 sightings
"Tafika review"
We did early morning game drives and evening drives and spend the hot part of the day having lunch and relaxing in the camp. We saw lots of animals and enjoyed the fact that we spent time observing the animals rather than being rushed. Tafika has a policy of no more than 4 in a vehicle and we really appreciated this.
The guiding was great - we particularly enjoyed the night drives which enabled us to see lions & wild dogs preparing for their hunt. Pretty magical.
Staff were friendly, and super helpful - special shout out to Val and Levi." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Eland
Multiple sightings

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Leopard
Multiple sightings

Lion
Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings

Wild dog
Multiple sightings

Wildebeest
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"A wonderful experience in a magical place"
We did two long game drives each day; early in the morning and in the afternoon/evening, which became a night drive after sundowners. Our guide Macuba was amazing, finding wild dogs, lions, and even a honey badger. We were given plenty of time to take photos and enjoy being with the animals. Jimmy did a great job with the light on the evening drives.
We also did a fantastic walk with Levy who educated us about all the smaller signs of animal behaviour.
A standout experience of the stay was the carmine bee eater hide which we visited on a drive. The other hide is in the camp and visited by elephants and many other animals.
The standard of service in Tafika was outstanding; everyone greeted us by name and every request was answered. Vel managed everything with interest and humour. The Tafika 'family' made us feel truly welcome.
Tafika is simply one of the best places I have evert stayed and the memory will stay with me forever." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia; 3n in Botswana

Buffalo
1 sighting

Elephant
10 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Leopard
4 sightings

Lion
2 sightings

Wild dog
2 sightings

Zebra
5 sightings
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